Poland student honored at Pirates game

April 25, 2013

Haley Trolio, 10, a student at Dobbins Elementary, enjoyed a trip to PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, earlier this month where she was recognized as one of 18 winners of the Jackie Robinson contest. Haley wrote an essay about Robinson and earned second place for her age group.

The contest began when Haley's teacher at Dobbins, Elaine Morlan, had her entire class write an essay about Jackie Robinson. The essays were sent to the Pirates front office where they were read and the top entries in essays, poetry and art were chosen. Out of over 3,200 entries, Haley's was selected along with 17 other entries that were recognized at a special pregame event on Monday, April 15.

According to Haley's mother, Heather Trolio, the young Poland student got to attend an awards reception prior to the evening's game. The date of April 15 was historic because it represented the date in 1947 that Jackie Robinson actually broke through the color barrier in professional baseball.

Article Photos

Photo special to the Town CrierDobbins Elementary student Haley Trolio, pictured fifth from the left, poses with 17 other third- through eighth-graders who earned first or second place in a Pittsburgh Pirates contest honoring Jackie Robinson.

"The event was lined up with the new '42' movie," Heather said. "All of the players on the field that night, Pittsburgh and St. Louis, wore number 42."

Robinson's number 42 had officially been retired from Major League Baseball.

Heather said her daughter was the only winning essay writer from Mahoning County and possibly from the entire state. She enjoyed the pre-game spotlight, then enjoyed the game against the St. Louis Cardinals that the Cards won, 10-6.

Haley returned to Dobbins after her day in the sun to continue her classroom work. Haley is an avid runner, plays travel soccer, and has been classified as a gifted student in English and reading. Next, she will be representing Dobbins Elementary at a math competition at Austintown Fitch High School.